South Canaan, Pennsylvania, April 27, 2026
Photo: stots.edu
St Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of the Midwest have announced a groundbreaking partnership to train a specialized group of seminarians for the priesthood in the Chicago area.
The three-year Chicago Program, developed through collaboration between His Eminence Archbishop Michael of New York and New Jersey, Rector of St Tikhon’s Seminary, and His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, will offer an accredited Master of Divinity degree to a hand-selected cohort of married men, the OCA reports.
Unlike traditional seminary education, the program combines synchronous online instruction with in-person intensive sessions, utilizing locally-based instructors in the Diocese of the Midwest. Students will participate in parish internships with diocesan-appointed mentors and spend additional time in residence at St Tikhon’s Seminary each year.
“The concept meets a demographic need not previously possible: those long-established in the Orthodox Faith, who for reasons blessed by His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel himself, are not able to relocate to seminary for the customary three-year residential formation,” the announcement says.
The special cohort doesn’t accept applications but will consist entirely of men hand-picked by Abp. Daniel.
Officials stated the program responds to urgent clergy shortages at a time when Orthodox churches are experiencing significant growth. The initiative received blessing from the Holy Synod of Bishops at their autumn 2025 meeting in Springfield, Virginia.
The program is expected to begin in fall 2026, with the first cohort graduating in spring or summer 2029, pending final approvals.
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